It's time, 348ers: let the 355 bashing begin!

I've heard of putting a F355 gearbox in, but not an F1.

Personally I'd prefer the extra gear and ease of use, rather than an F1 gearbox.

 

Oops, didn't read all the posts.

I think I'll go to my room now.

 

I'd like to see if some 348 owner on F-Chat has already upgraded from their 5 speed to a 6-speed. You'd think that the 355 6 speed would be a direct fit (same half-axels, same mid-engine configuration, same distance to gearshift in cockpit, etc.).

That would be a pretty cool mod to a 348!

Probably similar prices for both trannies, too (if you've thrashed one and have to replace it, why not go for the 6-speed).

 

I have been to many Ferrari events and 348s seem to get the least attention from everyone. 348s have always been viewed as one of the
unloved Ferraris, Forza even did an article on them titled as such while the
355 is viewed in a totally different light.

The 348s don't fall into the look of any previous Ferraris made and have the baby TR stigma associated with them, and TRs are dated looking now but the linear look works with them as to their large size. 348s have too many linear lines going on in their design for such a short wheel base car which makes them look stubby, I was never a fan of the car when it came out and actually hated it at the time.

The 355 looks much cleaner and more modern compared to the 348, especially the rear tail lights which look like a proper Ferrari but mechanically they are one of the most problematic Ferraris ever made. With the large numbers of both these cars made and extremely expensive major services and problems which I view these cars as just as much and more in case of the 355 to own than TRs which suffer weak resale values from that rep as well, both the 348 and 355 will have low resale values in the future.

 

and on that positive note................

 

Two different audiences. Ferrari events are attended by tifosi. Their tastes are far different than the general public's taste.

But at events attended by people more diverse than Ferrari owners, the crowds go wild for the 348.

...Especially if the top is down.

If you want to get attention from Ferrari owners, then the 348 won't rise above many other models.

On the other hand, if you want to be surrounded by beautiful college girls lusting for a ride and a picture with your car, then the 348 rules.

Two different audiences.

 

beautiful college girls or old fat bald guys. hhmmmmmmmm. tough call that.

 

The many different events over the years I have been to have been both general public car events and Ferrari events, I will agree a convertible will draw attention from young women vs a coupe but who cares, the most popular cars have usually always been the vintage models.

 

Man, someone needs to pass out some happy juice at this party!

 

Probably the most useless post ever written. What utter bollox!

 

Say it like you mean it Steve!

have to admit though ... "stigma" of Baby TR???

My 348 Spider is up for sale after it comes back from Spain, the reason? So I can save up the extra £10k to get a 512TR. Stigma? What Stigma? One all the all-time classic Ferrari shapes.

There is no other Ferrari, unless we go back a fair few decades and a lot more cash, that I prefer (er, Enzo excepted!)

 

If it doesn't then it's not a full red blooded Ferrari

 

Sorry to bust your little bubble.

Even Luca dissed the 348 and said he was ashamed they built it, look in Forza for the article a few months back "The unloved Ferraris" concerning the 348.

You don't hear that label placed on the 355 though it's the same car basically other than the styling which is why the 348 is unloved other than those that own them as it has a love it or hate it look, many Ferrari admirers apsire to own a Ferrari but you don't hear of them dreaming about 348s even when they first came out compared to other models.

 

harsh but fair lol

have to agree with the positive comments about the 348 spider's 'pulling' power

I've seen this several times now when parked in the company of other Ferraris - including 355s

it's hard to pinpoint what's going on, but I suspect it's that the 348 just looks that much more dramatic/controversial than the 355/360

esp in red or yellow

 

So what? We're talking about opinions held by the general public or Tifosi. Luca's opinion is irrelevant in that context

The general public often won't be able to tell you what model is what

They just see a red Ferrari and gawp

 

Irrelevant?

Luca was only the President of Ferrari at the time they made the car.

So much emphasis placed on attention especially from young girls, my experience is thats a negative factor in these cars and I unlike some don't need it and those that stated Ferrari owners are old bald fat guys I suggest buying a toupee and going on a diet so your stomach doesn't hit the steering wheel when you make sharp turns in parking lots.

 

I suggest that you might want to step back and maybe see when a topic is being treated in a fairly light hearted and good humoured way.

If i had a choice between a crowd of young women going crazy for my car, or whistling at me as I drive through town, versus young, middle-aged or old people in Ferrari fleeces muttering about the perceived short comings of my car... hmm, hard choice!



So far, this topic has been 99% subjective, and pretty good humoured, even from the 355 guys, let's keep it that way huh?

Now, where's the nearest cheer leaders summer convention?

 

I repeat, so what? His view is only of historical interest.

Next time I see a crowd around my 348 spider, I shall tell them that 'Luca didn't like it' and that Luca was pres of Ferrari. Do you honestly believe it would affect their opinion? Come off it!

I think you comment about young girls is a little bit of a generalisation. I prefer crowd pulling myself.

Here, Ferraris attract almost exclusively positive reactions, from 'young girls' to fat, balding middle-aged men. Shame it's a negative in your world.

 

If beautiful girls don't like your car, then you're stuck with an Edsel. If they do, then you might as well be in an Enzo. You don't have to like that fact. Heck, you don't even have to like girls, but that's the way life works.

What Ferrari *owners* like, such as Luca or the old bald, fat guy...is entirely different than what the general public likes. Two different audiences.

Same goes for guys that club around in old VW bugs, MG's, or AMC Pacer's. What *those* guys like inside their little club is often entirely different than what the general public likes.

One of the cool things about a Ferrari is that it gets comments and attention from the public at large. Old Ferrari's, super Ferrari's, new Ferrari's, they all get talked about and noticed. Inside the Ferrari ownership world, the *owners* have very different tastes, however, than the outside world. An all original 288, for instance, will draw ooh's and ahhh's from tifosi. The outside world just wants Magnum PI's 308. Park them side by side and Ferrari owners will crowd around one, the general public around the other.

You seem to be irritated that the general public doesn't share your taste. You say "whatever" and you disdain what pretty girls like, etc.

That's a good way to lead a humiliating life...where the general public mocks your divergent tastes...especially if you display a poor attitude when airing your tastes.

But hey, to each his own.

Just don't expect to have the cute co-eds flock around your car or invite you to their parties or write you up in their blogs (positively, anyway) or brag about the effort that you've put into your vehicles.

 

If the 512 TR had come from the factory with a removable top (targa or spider), then I would have gone that route. But they seemed to want to do the topless versions in the baby TR, so that's what I bought...the 348.

 

I was also referring to your comments about the 355, no bubble to burst there my friend

 

Interesting statements. I have to say that I wasn't particularly a fan of the 348 before I bought mine. I thought the side strakes were a bit much, the interior looks dated, and I would have much preferred to have gone with a 355 instead. However, and this is where it gets interesting...I absolutely LOVE my 348!!! All the jests about lack of power, quality, etc, it is still a Ferrari, it is still a beautiful machine. The looks have even grown on me, I dig it much more than I ever dreamed I could.

Your quote above is actually a positive for the 348, if the only people who love 'em are the people who own them, they can't be as bad as many say!!!

At the end of the day, it is a matter of personal preference.

348 ers, who loves their car? I DO!

Mike

 

There's always one.....

Firstly, forget Luca. He has nothing to do with this discussion - period.

Secondly, about 3 months back, the Cotswold FOC (UK) were displaying the cars at an event whereby the general public could come and have a look at the cars - ranging from 360's, 355's to 308's etc. My 348 got more attention than the 355's & 355 spiders added together. In other words - the car had that wow factor with men, women and children queing up to have their picture taken in the car

But you know what - I'm sure I heard a young kid say.....

" heh daddy, I really like the look of that car - its the best, but I heard that the boss was ashamed they built it, so I'll go and ask the 355 driver if I can sit in his car!!...." - yeah of course he did

Perhaps you can enlighten us on your choice of car, experiences etc etc, cause I'm lost on this one

 

Can i visit you in Alabama please? ... I don't know what blogs are, but they sound quite interesting.... and we don't have that many cheerleaders over here either

 

Sure. You can even drive my 348 Spider (provided that you reciprocate when I'm over in the UK).